Breaking Down the Charger Receivers

Posted by Jim Dubenetzky on June 19th, 2007 filed in Features

Depth Chart
WR_______________________________WR
83-Vincent Jackson___________________88-Eric Parker
81-Kassim Osgood__________________80-Malcom Floyd
15-Sonny Shackelford________________84-Craig Davis

Key Losses: Veteran Keenan McCardell
Keenan McCardell was a great wide receiver, but the key word there is was. It was evident last season that McCardell is not what he used to be. He definitely lost a few steps but he was still a very important part of the offense. He was still able to come up with the big catch.

Vincent Jackson

Jackson is entering his third season in the NFL. At 6′5″ and 241 lbs. he is a physical presence in the defensive backfield. Jackson is a phenomal athlete with solid hands. He has so much potential and Charger fans hope this is the year that he lives up to that potential. It wouldn’t be surprising if Jackson started to draw the safeties away from the middle of the field next season as he towers over corners and makes plays. If he is able to do that, then look for TE Antonio Gates to have a great year catching passes in the deep middle this season.

Eric Parker

Eric Parker is the most experienced of all of the receivers as he is entering his 6th season. We all remember what Parker did in the loss to the Patriots, but that was just one game. Parker had a solid year for the Bolts last year. He Gained 659 yards on 48 cathces to average 13.7 yards per reception. He had 8 receptions for a gain of 20 yards or more. He also picked up 35 first downs for the Chargers. He isn’t the biggest receiver but he does have pretty good speed. Don’t expect him to have great numbers this year, but he will be a valuble weapon on the offense.

Malcom Floyd

Floyd had the best single-game performance last year of all the Charger receivers. Against the Bengals Floyd caught 5 passes for 109 yards and 1 touchdown. He amassed more than half of his 209 total receiving yards in that game. Injuries have been a problem for Floyd, he did not play in any games in 2005 and last season he only played in 12 games. At 6′5″ and 225 lbs. he can really give corner backs a tough assignament. If he can stay healthy, look for him to have a great year opposite Vincent Jackson.

Kassim Osgood

Osgood does more on special teams than he does on offense. But he is still on the depth chart at wide receiver. He will see some time at wide out this year but expect his time at wide out to be limited by the addition of rookie Craig Davis. He is one of the most valuable players on special teams and that it is vary valuable to the team. In all levels of football games can be won or lost on special teams and with Osgood out there the Bolts are more likely to win the battle on special teams.

Craig Davis

Davis had a solid career at LSU before being drafted in the first round of the 2007 draft. He will add a deep threat to the Chargers offense. He has a phenomenal work ethic and that is a big reason why he is expected to be a great player int he NFL. A lot of experts say he had the best hands in the SEC in his senior season. He is also a very good route runner. Remind you of anyone? Keenan McCardell maybe. At 6′1″ and 207 pounds this young player will be exciting to watch.